Pokémon gift for a kid: what should you buy?

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• No idea what to buy for a Pokémon fan? This guide walks you through the options, from battle decks to plush, so your gift lands every time.

Pokémon gift for a kid: what should you buy?

You want to give a Pokémon gift, but the jargon means nothing to you. Booster, battle deck, binder: where do you start? This guide explains the options in plain language, what they cost and which kid they suit.

First things first: does the kid play or collect?

Pokémon cards are really two hobbies in one. Some kids play an actual card game with them, against friends or at school. Others mainly collect: they save, trade and treasure their best cards. Many kids do a bit of both.

Not sure which camp the kid is in? Just ask, or ask the parents. The answer makes choosing much easier. Still in doubt? Go for booster packs. Almost every kid loves those, player or collector.

For a kid who plays: a battle deck

A battle deck is a box with a complete ready-to-play deck of 60 cards, plus everything needed to start playing right away. There is nothing extra to buy. That makes it one of the most rewarding gifts for a kid who wants to learn the game or already plays.

A battle deck like the Kangaskhan ex Battle Deck costs around 13 euros. Pricier versions exist, but for a first deck a regular battle deck is more than enough.

For a kid who collects: boosters and a binder

A booster pack is a sealed pack of ten random cards. Opening it is the highlight for many kids: you never know what is inside. Two or three packs from a recent set, such as Mega Evolution: Chaos Rising, make a fun gift under 25 euros.

Want something that lasts for years? Add a binder. That is a collector's album with sturdy pockets that keep cards safe and on display. A 9-pocket binder holds hundreds of cards and protects them from scratches and bent corners.

Rather skip the cards? Plush and figures

Not every Pokémon gift needs to contain cards. An official plush such as the 30 cm Eevee or a Funko POP figure always lands well with fans. For young children this is often the better pick: the card game is recommended for ages 6 and up, a plush has no such limit.

Three final tips. Buy card products sealed and from a shop you trust: marketplaces see counterfeit cards and resealed packs. Check the age recommendation if the kid is younger than six. And consider adding a pack of sleeves, thin protective sleeves that cost a few euros, so the best pulls are protected from day one.

At TCGVault every gift ships from Belgium with bpost, delivered within 1 to 4 working days in Belgium. Still unsure? Below are four gifts that always work.